Rather frequently in the car business we encounter new cars that aren't bad, but aren't especially engaging, either. That's more or less how we characterized the last E-Class, a car with a nice interior, a somewhat controversial exterior, good engines, and not a lot of personality. The new car is still somewhat polarizing on the outside, but it's finally showing signs of life.

I refer mostly to the chassis, easily the most improved aspect of the car from the driver's seat. We chided the old E-Class for a soft suspension that didn't handle bumps well, and its heavy, numb steering. The folks in Stuttgart apparently came to the same conclusion, because the updated chassis is much better. The ride is firm in a characteristically German way, but impacts are muted to a dull thud. The steering walks a fine line between luxury car and sport sedan: slightly light and a little numb, but quick and responsive. It works well with the new suspension tuning, which allows the body to roll like you might expect in a big sedan, but do so in a smooth and controlled fashion. Once leaned, it takes a set and the car becomes neutral and confident. I found that a big enough mid-corner bump could get the car to seesaw a bit, but it was otherwise unaffected.The real story is the way it grips the road. As noted, the handling behavior is very neutral, not prone to either over- or understeer unless pushed exceptionally hard. Likewise, it handled sharp transitions with smooth, controlled body movements. Even the base car's Continental ContiSportContact3 summer tires (Pirelli P Zeros optional) proved equally imperturbable. No amount of hard canyon driving provoked the stability control and there was barely a howl from the tires. It's not a sports car, but no longer is it a laggard in the corners. You can have some genuine fun with this car.

Providing the motivation for that fun are two new engines and three carryovers. With the 3.5-liter V-6, 4.7-liter twin-turbo V-8, and 3.5-liter V-6 hybrid unchanged for 2014, our drive focused on the new 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel, which replaces the old 3.0-liter V-6 diesel, and the new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6, which will replace the V-8 in one year's time. That's right, the E550 and its twin-turbo V-8 is a one-year model, so if that's your huckleberry, get it now.While engine downsizing sounds regressive, check the stats. The new four-cylinder diesel makes 195 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, 15 and 31 fewer than the six-cylinder, respectively. Neither is an especially large drop, and on the road you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference. While no drag racer, the four-cylinder E250 diesel has plenty of pep and happily gets the car out of its own way. I did not want for power in town; I found it acceptably quick entering the highway; and I had no issue passing at freeway speed. People who buy base-engine cars aren't going to complain about its power, thanks in large part to the plains-flat torque curve that comes on immediately. If there is room to complain, it's in what comes into the cabin, which is a bit more noise and vibration than the old six-cylinder.

It's much the same story in the new E400 (non-hybrid). No, the twin-turbo V-6 isn't as quick as the twin-turbo V-8, and that's to be expected, given that it's down 63 horsepower and 88 lb-ft. It is quicker, though, than its 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft suggest. The little turbos spool quickly and produce a mostly flat power curve that seems to rise just slightly as you approach redline. Lag is negligible and torque delivery is nearly instant, but it comes on smoothly rather than punching you in the back like the V-8. If there's anywhere it falls down, it's in the same places as the little diesel: It sends more vibration into the cabin than you'd expect, and it's a little loud. Moreover, it doesn't sound good. In fact, it sounds as though a Nissan VQ V-6 engine's balls have dropped. It gets a little better if you really wring it out, but overall it's not a great sound and certainly no replacement for the V-8's motorboat grumble.

Matched to all of them is Mercedes' seven-speed, wet-clutch automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. Both are refinements of existing systems with the transmission showing the most change. It shifts more smoothly than in the past and the Sport mode makes more of an effort to keep revs up. It's still not especially good at predicting when you'll want a downshift, but it at least downshifts quickly when you put your foot in it at corner exit. On the other side of the coin, braking was strong and consistent with linear progression in braking force as you get into the pedal.The other hot story is all the new safety technology. It's got cameras and radar galore, all designed to keep you in your lane and out of trouble. While the car's ability to move gently back into your lane to avoid a head-on collision impressed in the high-speed demo, the underlying lane departure warning system seemed hyperactive and quickly became a nuisance on the narrow Spanish roads, constantly vibrating the steering wheel if we strayed too close to a line for its taste. Unfortunately, one of the neater technologies, which allows the headlights to bend their beams around oncoming cars and cars ahead of you, won't be coming to America because our laws don't allow it. Similarly, we won't be getting Mercedes' latest gasoline-burning turbo four-cylinder because our gas has too much sulfur in it.

If there's one aspect of the car that seems left behind, it's the interior. Small revisions to the center stack and a new steering wheel are the only readily apparent changes, making it all look a bit old. To be fair, though, it's still a nice environment, and the new trim looks even richer than before. The optional active seats in our test cars were comfortable and allow you to dial in all the support you want when tackling a good road.Altogether, the new E-Class is a strong step forward. Effective updates and a cleaner, more organic design easily outshine a few missed opportunities for improvement. The overall car is better to drive, more engaging, and more compelling. Call it what you want, but it's certainly not dull anymore.

I Like That the fact you're still caring about the sheer experience of the thing and not the usual cliche like , it's economical , it's smart , it ha turbos etc , etc ....

Yes The Numbers Don't matter ! you can Put as many turbochargers on a 4 cylinder or a 6 cylinder and make it more and more powerful than even a V8 , but still it won't be Actually Better Than a V8

It's not only about the numbers , it's the sheer experience of it that matters, A V8 is simply Astonishing , No other word for it , A V10 is even better , a V12 is Simply Perfect, i know that it's not only the size of the engine that makes it powerful and desirable ,but the efficiency matters as well , but there are few things in the Universe that can't be Achieved By Witchcraft and Trickery , Just One Rule , The Bigger They Are , The Better They Are ! , Like a Car's Engine or a Gentleman's Sausage !!!

And BTW , The new Design for the E Class Is Ugly , No Other word for it, Honestly Mercedes Benz have Really Regressed in terms of design and styling since the new decade started ....

So why did MBUSA choose not to bring over the one car everyone would want to buy...The new E300 Bluetec Hybrid that got over 870 miles on one tank, 67.3 mpg...220 plus hp. and plenty of torque to satisfy any owner... This is a huge, huge disappointment ...come on Mercedes and get the car over to the U.S.

Please , i know there are people who are just dying to Fanboy the new stuff , new technology no matter if it is really good , bad , better than the past , But Please Do not Consider Yourself as A Lot of People !

Hybrid , electric , etc etc They all Suck And still petrol is the inevitable and Reasonable Choice which everybody end up returning towards it

Unless they figure out how to make a car with a real engine that is also zero emission probably Through Hydrogen Technology , You guys can keep quiet and don't pollute Our Calm.....

To me the two black patches below the front bumper looks odd. I'd prefer the straight LED DRL or fog lights to fill in the gap. But I'll wait till I see it in the flesh. Maybe a Black color will make it less conspicuous?

The E250 BlueTec will be an awesome highway cruiser. With the ever increasing fuel costs this this the car I'd like to drive for the next 10 years!

MT is acting like this was a full model change instead of just a mid cycle refresh which MB does for most models after the first 4 years of the 7 year run. I like the changes to the sedan; but, it's basically the same excellent car. The new engine options are clearly directed at the 2016 CAFE standards. I always assumed that previous version's pontoon flanks were designed for the E coupe and didn't really work on the sedan. I thought I would miss the quad headlights; but, the new design works.

I have one of the very first 2010 E350 coupes brought to the US in June 2009 and it has been a flawless drive for almost 50K miles. The technology, features, reliability, and comfort are amazing and it styling still turns heads all the time. The refreshed coupe still has the pontoon flanks (YEAH) but there aren't enough other changes to justify a 2014; so, I'll keep mine until the full model change in 2017.

Benw2291 you seriously have an issue that needs professional help. You have confused your 1972 AMC Pacer with a Mercedes Benz: They aren't the same car.

Another grand automobile from Mercedes Benz. I've owned several E Class', an M, S, SL and some old 300Ds. Anyone that says that MB doesn't make a great car has never owned one or more. Sure, this car isn't as stylish as the Audi A6, but it is an all around fine automobile.

So rant and rave about cars you really no nothing about all you want. I'll keep my dependable, refined, sharp looking Benz!

"Death To the Dull." What a piece of ugly crap! Who design the overpriced wheat burner? So disgusting and just ugly. Hello Kids, LOL, go and ask your parents why they bougth this ugly piece of crap. Mercedes-Benz failed the lastest new "small overlap" test from IIHS. Their vehilces are not reliable either, because they know idiots will buy it no matter what.

Hey fan boys, wheat burner lovers, ask your parents why they bough a vehilce that is ugly, not safe, and very unreliable? Maybe your parents have low self esteem? Hahahaha Mercedes-Benz has been in business over 100 years and still will not make reliable cars. Is not that they can't do it, is just that they know some idiots out there will buy their vehicles no matter what. People who have serious issues buy their vehicles and Mb laughs all the time to the bank, Hahahaha

The truth is this is one hideous crappy car, crappy like the people who buy them. What an eye-sore, ugly, ugly and the ugliest piece of junk in the world. This crap is very offensive, people who design it should be put in jail for making hideous vehicle and taking money from people who cannot think for themselves.

So, now kids let me hear from you, LOL...You might need counseling after reading my truthful piece of advice. Sorry kids I have to let you know and now you can yell, scream and cry all you want. You can say anything about me, but I don't care. Just telling the truth with a smile.

The sexiest E-class ever. It looks absolutely gorgeous. The grille is aggressive, yet unique and elegant with the led lights. And the interior looks even more luxurious, I really love the new ambient lighting!

I was going to buy an Escalade ESV Platinum (2014) and a CTS (2014) but since GM in USA is so stupid they do not offer regular white I have no choice but to go to Mercedez. This one is looking very good. I cannot believe they offer two kinds of Silver but no plain White. The Diamond White sucks. Wake up GM. Everyone makes White. IN CASE YOU DID NOT NOTICE IT IS THE NEW BLACK.

Looks dated on the outside (and dull). Looks dated in the inside. Overpriced, and engine performance has just taken a step backward. How unrefined is a diesel 4 for a premium sedan? Does not sound like a good formula for success. If this were an Acura or Lincoln, they would be tearing it apart.

What an ugly piece of crap....Motortrend says " DEATH TO THE DUL." Wow, that is the worst thing I ever heard said about an over priced wheat burner. This thing is so damn hideous, only ugly people buy this crapper. Ugly junk, nasty, hideous, and plain disgusting. WHO MADE THIS CRAPPER??? Someone must been drinking too much bear to design such a horrible, offending looking wheat burner!!! WHO LET THIS FREAK OUT??? LOL

What a damn disgusting car!!! Only an idiot will buy this overpriced crapper, a wheat burner!!!!!

The real reason the facelifted E-Class isn't receiving this new 4 cyl. engine must be that it is slated to make a splash in the U.S. launch of the new 2015 C-Class(W205) instead, replacing the obsolete 1.8 litre 4 cyl. 'M271 EVO' engine, and will come in the existing CLA 208 horsepower level and a new higher circa 250 horsepower tune.

This new Mercedes E-class is such a beautiful car. First of all, the interior looks amazing. Great layout, and the shiny wood and the stitched leather make it look even more luxurious. But the best part is definitely the exterior. This car actually became sexy! It looks very beautiful, such a great improvement!

I'm glad they updated the chassis and technology, now if they could only put it in a good looking car... On looks alone I'd probably take a 5-series or the GS if I was in the market. Still happy they offer the wagon though, none of that hideous GT stuff from BMW.